Appeal to help lollipop patrol after funding lost
A new lolipop person is being sought for St Peters school in Budleigh Salterton to help make the road safer at the primay school. Pictured with children from the school are the ladies which have been standing in as a casual crossing staff- Marilyn England, Kat Marratt and Sarah Mitchell. Ref exb 8214-41-14SH Picture: Simon Horn - Credit: Archant
Budleigh Salterton businesses are being asked to help pupils at St Peter’s Primary School get to classes safely in the mornings.
The school is facing questions about its crossing patrol in Barn Lane, after the previous worker’s retirement caused Devon County Council to look again at the site.
A council survey found that the amount of traffic on the road was nowhere near enough for it to continue to fund a lollipop person under its criteria.
It has agreed to keep funding the patrol until a solution can be found, at least until half-term.
For the past few weeks, the school has been using volunteers, but this is not thought to be sustainable, which is where the community is being asked to step in.
Headteacher Steve Hitchcock said: “The current arrangement of the volunteers from the school staff is unsustainable, as they all have to manage other commitments, and they cannot continue.
“We are, therefore, seeking a solution for the future.
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“Obviously, traffic safety is an important issue. The school would not want any child to be involved in an accident.
“However, we need to be mindful that the survey conducted on the site showed that the amount of traffic and pedestrians would have to increase by over 20 times to reach the threshold for funding. We have consulted with parents and many would still like to have the security of the crossing at this point.
“We have considered the use of volunteers, but this is not sustainable or practical.
“We would love to hear from anyone that might be able to sponsor a paid person to do the job. The school does not have the funds to keep it going ourselves.
“We would also love to hear from anyone that would like to do the job, from 8.45am to 9am, and 3.20pm to 3.45pm, five days a week during term times.”
Any businesses or members of the community who would like to sponsor the crossing, at a cost of £6,000 for three years, are asked to contact the school.
In return, Steve says the school could display the sponsor’s logo on the crossing and on the school’s website.
